The reproductive cycle of Mytilus galloprovincialis

The aim of this paper is to contribute as part of the new national strategy “Halieutis” to better understand the mytiliculture potential by studying their reproductive system in the natural environment. We investigated the gametogenesis of a natural population of Mytilus galloprovincialis in a southern zone of Morocco (Imessouane). We found that the population is characterized by an asynchronous gametogenesis.

Mytilus species are important in marine ecology and in environmental quality assessment, yet their molecular biology is poorly understood. The mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is one of the most important and characteristic benthic invertebrate in southern zone of Morocco. It is a major food source for fish and a potential source for human food. Mussel gonad is located in mantle tissue.

Sex determination is possible (but not certain) only by macroscopic observation of the gonad a white-yellowish gonad is characteristic for male, a red-yellowish gonad for female.Scientist investigated the gametogenesis of a natural population of Mytilus galloprovincialis in a southern zone of Morocco. They found that the population is characterized by an asynchronous gametogenesis.